Niall Quinn's first game in charge as Sunderland manager and chairman ended in a 2-1 defeat at Coventry - but the optimistic Irishman still found plenty of positives on the day.

City dynamo Gary McSheffrey, who has attracted three bids from Birmingham, scored the winner in the 78th minute and that is sure to force another move from Steve Bruce.

The Black Cats took the lead early in the second half through Daryl Murphy, which was cancelled out by a wonder strike from Stern John in the 70th minute.

But Quinn, who took over the club a Summer buy-out, felt his side were unlucky to lose. He said: "Stern John's goal was world class and you can do very little about something like that.

"But from the free-kick for Coventry's second goal we were caught napping and that is a glitch we had last season and has cost us dear again.

"But it is something we can work on and iron out of our game. I do not want that to take away from our performance which was full of enthusiasm and for the most part, I think we outplayed Coventry."

Sunderland, playing attractive passing football, started brightly with both Murphy and Tommy Miller going close.

McSheffrey almost broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute but his effort hit full-back Danny Collins before striking the woodwork.

Sunderland looked a different side after the break and took the lead from a corner as Collins crossed for Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Murphy to score in the 52nd minute.

Three minutes later Stephen Hughes sparked an ugly 22-man melee. With McSheffrey injured on the ground, Dean Whitehead played on and Hughes deliberately fouled him - resulting in a booking for the Sky Blues captain.

Just as Sunderland - relegated from the Premiership last season - looked like they were taking control, Coventry drew level with a moment of individual brilliance from John in the 70th minute.

He picked up a long ball from his keeper before swivelling and curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Eight minutes later Coventry were in front. McSheffrey picked up a substitute Don Hutchison free-kick and cut in from the left before his shot was deflected over the helpless Ben Alnwick.

The result delighted Coventry boss Micky Adams, who insisted match-winner McSheffrey was not for sale.

He said: "I have read that Birmingham are going to come back in for McSheffrey but hopefully they will understand we do not want to sell him.

"Of course every player has a price but where am I going to find someone who will replace Gary? He was brilliant today, a real threat who was full of running forward and back, put in some great crosses and scored a good goal as well."